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Tarragon is used often in sauces and to flavor vinegar

Scientific Binomial Name: Artemisia dracunculus

Tarragon, also known as Dragon's Wart or Dragon Herb, flavors sauces in a mild, yet distinct manner. Mustard, tartar and bearnaise all benefit from the addition of tarragon, as does vinegar.

The OASIS has advice on how to select top-quality Tarragon. You'll find suggestions on how to prepare, season and cook using Tarragon, information on the best time of year to buy and ways to store what's left for your next meal.

Selection Information

Usage: In mustard, tartar and bernaise sauces and tarragon vinegar. Tarragon is one of French cuisine's Fines Herbs used in cooking chicken, fish and egg dishes.

Selection: Tarragon has a sweet anise taste thanks to the presence of estragole and should be used sparingly. In general, herbs should be fresh looking, crisp and brightly-colored. Keep wet or store in an air-tight bag.

Avoid: Avoid herbs that are wilted, have dry brown areas, or are pale or yellow in color. Slimy looking dark spots with small areas of mold indicate old product or poor handling.

Seasonal Information

Tarragon is available year-round.

Tarragon Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 tsp Tarragon leaves (0.6g)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 2	Calories from Fat 0
	% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0	0%
Saturated Fat 0mg	0%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 0mg	0%
Potassium 18mg	1%
Total Carbohydrate 0.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0g	0%
Sugars 0g
Protein 0.14g
Vitamin A 1%	Vitamin C 1%
Calcium 7%	Iron 1%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Source: PMA's Labeling Facts

Tarragon is low in sodium, and very low in cholesterol. It's also a good source of Niacin, Phosphorus and Copper, and a great source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium and Manganese.

Tarragon Tips & Trivia

The word tarragon comes from the Arabic for "dragon," associated with the use of tarragon as a body purifier used when diseases were epidemic.
Tarragon provides the flavor for a popular bright green colored carbonated soft drink called Tarhun that's sold in Armenia, Georgia, Russia and Ukraine. Tarhun is the Armenian, Persian and Russian word for tarragon.
Tarragon is used in Slovenia as a spice for sweet pastry called potica.